Ganesha idols still floating at Kaikondrahalli Lake

Three months have passed since the city celebrated Ganesha Chaturthi, but some of the idols are still floating on the Kaikondrahalli Lake on Sarjapur Road. Despite the strict measures taken by the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) to reduce the pollution levels during the festival, the situation remains the same. Worse, the BBMP has not taken any efforts to clean up the lake.

Residents say with broken idols and debris floating around, the lake has become a cesspool of sorts. “Before Ganesh Chaturthi, children would come near the lake to play, while senior citizens spend leisure time. Nobody wants to even enter lake or even walk outside the lake because of the foul smell,” said Ashwin Patil, a resident.

Residents also alleged that more than 5-ft idols — in gross violation of the rules — were found floating in water. “Despite many campaigns on clay idols, people used POP ones. There were many idols with more than 5 ft and none of them got dissolved completely. POP idols have left the lake polluted, with water turning black,” said Rishika Mehra, a resident of Sarjapur Road.

It has become a breeding ground for mosquitoes and rodents. Kids were down with dengue. For the last three months, no clean-up has been done ­

–A resident

Residents also said many kids staying near the lake have fallen sick. “It has become a breeding ground for mosquitoes and rodents,” said a resident. Residents complain BBMP has not taken up any efforts to clean up the lake. “For the last three months, no clean-up has been done. Three days ago, they removed some of the debris partially,” said a shopkeeper.

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